Method 1: Using a Text Box (Most Flexible)
A text box allows you to position vertical text anywhere on the page without disrupting surrounding document paragraphs:
- Go to Insert → Text Box → Simple Text Box.
- Type your text inside the box.
- Click the border of the text box to select it.
- Click the Shape Format tab on the ribbon.
- Click Text Direction and choose Rotate all text 90° (top-to-bottom) or Rotate all text 270° (bottom-to-top).
- In Shape Outline, set to No Outline to make the container invisible.
Method 2: Vertical Text in Table Headers
For financial tables, schedules, or narrow column headings:
- Highlight the cell or row of cells you wish to rotate.
- The purple Table Layout tab will appear on the far right of the Word ribbon.
- Click the Text Direction button (has an A with directional arrows).
- Click it once to rotate 90°, click again for 270°, and a third time to return to horizontal.
Method 3: Stacking Upright Letters Vertically
If you want English letters to stand upright one on top of the other (like a movie marquee or banner sign) rather than rotating on their side:
- Quickest trick: Insert a narrow Text Box and make its width exactly 0.5 inches (just wide enough for one character). Word will automatically wrap every letter onto its own new line.
- Manual trick: Press Enter or Shift + Enter after each individual letter. Set line spacing to 0.9 in Paragraph options so the letters cluster tightly.